The Victron Galvanic Isolator VDI-64A protects boat and shore power installations from galvanic corrosion caused by stray DC currents travelling through the shore earth conductor. Rated at 64A continuous, it suits larger vessels and marina installations with permanent or frequent shore power connections.

Key features

• Current rating, 64A continuous, for larger shore power installations
• Function, blocks DC galvanic currents while allowing AC fault currents to pass, maintaining earth continuity
• Standards, compliant with ISO 13297 and ABYC A-28 for marine galvanic isolators
• Housing, compact aluminium enclosure for engine rooms and electrical panels
• Design, Victron VDI series with integrated blocking diodes and surge protection
• Weight, 3.4 kg

Product overview

When a vessel connects to shore power, the earth conductor forms a galvanic circuit between the boat's underwater metalwork and other vessels or marina infrastructure. This drives low-level DC corrosion currents that attack anodes, propellers, stern gear and hull fittings over time. The VDI-64A wires in series with the shore earth conductor and uses blocking diodes to prevent these DC currents from flowing, while preserving the AC safety earth path required by electrical regulations.

The 64A rating covers the full shore power load on most single-phase 32A or 16A circuits, with headroom for transient currents. Integrated surge protection guards the diode assembly against voltage spikes on the shore supply. A galvanic isolator does not provide full galvanic isolation the way an isolation transformer does, but it is a cost-effective first line of defence for vessels that do not need complete electrical separation from shore.

Applications

• Sailing yachts and motor cruisers connected to marina shore power
• Canal boats and narrowboats on permanent or semi-permanent shore connections
• Commercial vessels requiring galvanic corrosion protection on the earth conductor
• Marina berths and pontoon electrical installations

What's in the box

• Victron Galvanic Isolator VDI-64A unit

Installation notes

Installation must be carried out by a qualified marine electrician in accordance with the relevant marine electrical standards for the vessel type and flag state. The unit is wired in series with the shore earth conductor and must not be installed in the live or neutral conductors. Correct sizing, cable rating and connection torque are critical to safe operation.